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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product ranges, develop strategies, and collaborate with teams to drive sales.
- Company: Join IronmongeryDirect, a leading supplier in architectural ironmongery with over 50 years of trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private healthcare, discounts, and a performance bonus.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and recognition in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and employee wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial and category management with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
At IronmongeryDirect, we have been a trusted name in architectural ironmongery for over 50 years. What started as a traditional ironmongery shop has since grown into the UK's leading direct supplier, delivering thousands of parcels each week. With a vast range of over 18,000 high-quality products available for next-day delivery, we are the reliable choice for tradespeople who value efficiency, expert advice, and top-tier service. If you are looking to be part of a dynamic, growing company that is built on a foundation of trust and excellence, we would love to hear from you.
We are proud to be recognised as one of the UK's Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality & Leisure 2025 by Great Place to Work, a reflection of the positive feedback from our own people and our commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience.
About the Role
This role is responsible for the product introduction, maintenance, and development of the specific product ranges to meet the needs of our target customers. This includes managing the products through the product life cycle, researching and identifying products and customer requirements. Defining the product vision, and working in partnership with our supply chain team and external suppliers.
Different to many corporate structures, this role includes the management and development of junior members of the team and working closely with our digital, customer service, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure revenue profitability and customer satisfaction targets are met. The role reporting directly to the department manager ensures lengthy sign off processes are avoided and speed of delivery is fundamental for this role.
About the Accountabilities
- Deliver the relevant budgeted sales and margin contribution for the relevant product areas
- Ensure clear development plans are in place and day to day management of any direct reports including regular 1 to 1's and appraisals
- Define the product strategy and roadmap for relevant product areas
- Present business cases for product range developments
- Introduce new product ranges within the given timescales
- Develop the core positioning and messaging for products and categories
- Source new product ranges
- Negotiate terms and cost pricing with suppliers
- Merchandise products through the catalogue and website to achieve maximum product performance
- Conduct product range reviews to increase profitability and efficiency of the product range
- Monitor, analyse and report product range performance statistics making appropriate recommendations and actions to maximise performance
- Utilise Google Analytics and work with the Digital team to implement actions to improve conversion rates
- Apply clear and competitive pricing principles to each range ensuring a clear hierarchy that achieves profitability targets
- Develop sales tools for the Contact Centre
- Work with the marketing department to develop product launch and product marketing plans
- Develop product management workflow and processes
About You - Essential
- Commercial & Category proven experience within the same or equivalent role
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent teamwork skills
- Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams
- Strong negotiations skills and experience managing supplier relationships
- Strong awareness of competitors, pricing strategies and market trends
- Ability to oversee and manage the workload of direct reports
- Strong ability to analyse data, draw conclusions and set strategic actions
About You - Desirable
- Industry & Technical Product knowledge
- E-commerce & Digital Experience of trading product in an omnichannel environment
- Project & Change management experience & ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
About the Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus public Bank Holidays, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year
- Subsidised Private Healthcare for employees and their families
- Enhanced family leave benefits
- Fully funded Wellbeing offering operated by Health Shield with the ability to claim back medical costs, access to an EAP service including counselling sessions, a GP Anytime service and more
- PERKS - a rewards platform offering hundreds of deals and discounts from the brands you know and love, helping your salary stretch a little further
- Discretionary annual company performance bonus
- Regular WOW awards for those that go above and beyond
- Staff suggestion scheme with associated rewards
- Staff discount on our products
- Long service awards, including the option to buy and sell up to three days per holiday year including additional annual leave, life insurance and increased employer pension contributions
- Two paid volunteer days per year
- £500 refer a friend incentive scheme
- We believe in recognising great work, investing in personal growth, and supporting wellbeing.
Please note this job description does not claim to be exhaustive in the duties it defines, and it may to some extent change from time to time. This document will be reviewed during the annual appraisal process and any changes where appropriate will be made formally via the HR Department.
Locations
Category Manager in Chelmsford, Essex employer: Ironmongery Direct
Contact Detail:
Ironmongery Direct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in Chelmsford, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Whether it’s about salary or project timelines, being able to negotiate effectively can set you apart. Remember, it’s all about finding a win-win situation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager in Chelmsford, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in product management and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication is key for this role, ensure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can influence cross-functional teams effectively!
Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills: We love data-driven decision-making! In your application, mention any experience you have with analysing product performance or market trends. Show us how you've used data to make strategic decisions in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team at IronmongeryDirect!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ironmongery Direct
✨Know Your Products
Before the interview, dive deep into IronmongeryDirect's product range. Familiarise yourself with their offerings and think about how you can contribute to their product strategy. Being able to discuss specific products and suggest potential improvements will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating terms with suppliers, prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully handled. Highlight your strategies and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability in managing supplier relationships effectively.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Research current market trends in architectural ironmongery and e-commerce. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact IronmongeryDirect and suggest ways the company can stay ahead of the competition. This shows you're proactive and have a strategic mindset.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
As this role involves managing junior team members and collaborating with various departments, think of examples that showcase your teamwork and leadership skills. Be prepared to discuss how you would foster a positive team environment and ensure effective communication across teams.